Education

Biological Profiles

Although John Latham composed an essay on the types of sawfish in 1794, he was unable to fully name and describe P. zephyreus. It wasn't until Jordan and
Starks described the species in 1895 that it was finally possible to classify the species. P. zephyreus first emerged as a species when morphological
differences were noticed between P. perotteti and other museum specimens. As more research began to emerge, P. zephyreus was often times lumped together
or often mistaken for other largetooth species, usually either P. perotteti or P. pristis. In 1905 H. Fowler composed a subgenus Pristiopsis for sawfish
that had a lower lobe claudal fin, in which the largetooth species (including P. zephyreus, P. microdon, P. perotteti, and P. antiquorum were included)
as well as P.cuspidatus (or A. cuspidata). The largetooth group of sawfish now includes P. microdon, P. perotteti, and P. zephyreus.

Zephyreus is taken from the Greek zephuriois, meaning "of the west" or "west-wind" as this species is believed to have originated on the western shores of
South America. It is found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, residing in coastal waters from the Gulf of California to the northern shores of Peru.

World distribution map for the (Pacific) largetooth sawfish

Habitat

Sawfish are commonly found in shallow, coast water that tends to be murky and muddy in nature. Sawfish also seem to frequent coastal
estuaries and even some freshwater systems. However, the exact habitat of P. zephyreus is not well known; however it is interesting to note that
each largetooth species originated in different areas: P. microdon from the Indo-West Pacific, P. perotteti from the Atlantic, and P. zephyreus
from the Eastern Pacific.

Biology

· Distinctive Features

Although P. zephyreus is often mistaken for other large tooth species as they are all very similar morphologically, there are some defining characteristics of
the species. In general, P. zephyreus tends to have greater variation in rostral tooth count (or the teeth that line the elongated snout of the sawfish).
The distance between the nostrils and the length of the lower lobe of the claudal fin also tend to differ from that of other species.

This species also has a robust rostrum and rostral tooth count varies between males and females, males having a higher average of teeth. There is also a
difference in the spacing of the back two rostral teeth, females using having a larger gap. Rostral tooth count per side usually ranges between 15 and 23.

· Coloration

In order to camouflage into their environment, sawfish usually have a light tan or brown sheen on their dorsal surface to blend into the muddy water they
inhabit. The ventral side is usually creamy variation of yellow or a dirty white to help blend in to the bright surface water.

·Dentition

Sawfish are often described as a mix between a shark and a ray, their mouths following suit with those of a ray. Two crushing plates, one lower and one upper
jaw lined with rounded cusps, aid in feeding on the hard shells of prey and crush in a rolling motion.

·Denticles

Sawfish are covered in tiny tooth-like skin cells called dermal denticles. These arrow head shaped ridges do not fully appear on the entire body of the
animal until all of the rostral teeth have appeared.

·Size, Age, and Growth

Maximum size of P. perotteti has been reported between 20.0-21.2 feet(6.1-6.5 m) total length and between 1,102-1,323 pounds (500-600 kg)
The maximum total length of juveniles was recorded to be 940 mm as measured for a female from Rio Tuyra, Darien, Panama. For adults, total length is
thought to range from 14.8-19.7 feet inches (450-600 cm). Females are also generally larger in size than the males.

· Food Habits

While the exact diet of P. zephyreus is not known, based on their composition as a bottom feeder (their mouths are located on the bottoms of their bodies),
it is safe to assume they feed on prey that inhabits the bottoms of shallow waters. The rostrum is also used in a back and forth motion to stun
prey for consumption. Hard crushing plates within the mouth also aid in breaking shells of prey.

· Reproduction

Sawfish reproduce sexually through internal fertilization; they are also considered viviparous meaning the embryo feeds on the yolk sac until completely developed, after which the mother gives live birth.

· Predators

While no known natural predators exist for adult sawfish, younger and smaller sawfish can fall victim to large sharks and saltwater crocodiles. Marine debris from human use, such as discarded
fishing line and nets, also account for sawfish fatalities.

· Parasites

While not considered a parasite itself, remoras are frequently seen attached to sawfish; this symbiotic relation offers relief to the sawfish of parasites as the remora helps remove them,
and the remora will feed off of bits of food that break off while the sawfish is feeding.

Importance to Humans

Sawfish are frequently harvested for their meat, fins and saws, liver oil and skin; liver oil, eggs and bile from sawfish are used in traditional
Asian medicine. Ancient paintings suggest that saws were used in religious ceremonies or as offerings in Aboriginal, African, and Asian cultures.
Sawfish are also prize game in reel and rod fishing for their size, power, and agility.

Danger to Humans

Sawfish pose no threat to humans; while occasionally caught on lines, it is important to note to be careful when handling and releasing the animal so that no
injury results. Sawfish will use their rostrum when they feel threatened, thrashing in a side-to-side motion to defend themselves.

Conservation

P. zephyreus are listed as endangered under the ICUN Red List, as well as Appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered
Species (CITES). However, human impact has dramatically lowered sawfish populations by becoming by-catch in gillnet fishing, getting caught in discarded
fishing line and nets, pollution runoff and illegal harvesting. Current population estimates are not available and very little is known concerning this species.